XFL to return in 2020, will be shorter than NFL games, family-friendly and have ‘nothing to do with politics’

The XFL is coming back in 2020 with the goal to "give the game of football back to the fans."

Vince McMahon, the founder and sole funding source for the league, said he wants to re-imagine the game of football and offer a "shorter, faster-paced, family friendly, easier to understand game."

Advertisement

It also means no players with criminal backgrounds, no political or social stances, possibly no halftime and fewer commercials.

McMahon insists that the NFL's declining ratings and protests during the national anthem were not among the reasons for bringing the XFL back, yet was clear the league will be free of any politics.

"As far as our league is concerned it will have nothing to do with politics," McMahon said. "Absolutely nothing and nothing to do with social issues, either. We're there to play football. We want really good football and I think that's what fans want as well. When they tune in I don't think they want to deal with political issues and things of that nature and that's what we're going to deliver."

Part of McMahon's attempt to take politics out of it will be to have players stand for the national anthem.

Vince McMahon is re-launching the XFL, which would return in 2020. (ED BAILEY/AP)

"The national anthem is a time honored tradition played to this day, and many years in the past, prior to most athletic events in our country and other countries," he said. "There's plenty of opportunities, ways players and coaches and members of the media can express their views as far as social aspects are concerned. We're here to play football. When we come onto the field we're here to play football and that's everyone's job."

It would disqualify players, such as Colin Kaepernick, who began the movement to protest social injustices by kneeling during the national anthem, though McMahon said Kaepernick could play if he abided by the rules.

One former player who would be barred would be Johnny Manziel.

In fact, McMahon was asked specifically about Manziel, Kaepernick and Tim Tebow joining the XFL and McMahon only mentioned Tebow by name as someone who could play.

"The quality of human being is just as important as quality of player," he said. "We want someone without criminality … if you have a DUI you would not play in the XFL. That would eliminate some of them but if Tim Tebow wants to play he could very well play."

Related Gallery

Players kneel during the national anthem following Trump's comments

Player safety is another issue that has plagued the NFL, with CTE and concussions resulting in new rules that have led to more flags and fewer big hits. The former XFL prided itself on fewer flags and more big hits, but McMahon was cautious on what the new XFL would bring.

"Re-imagining the game of football means you're re-imagining it on all levels, as well as safety," he said. "We'll make the environment safe as possible, but it's still football."

McMahon also wants a faster game and believes he can cut it down to two hours, mentioning the possible elimination of halftime.

While the XFL lasted just one season last time, McMahon believes he has pinpointed a reason why he will be more successful this time.

"I think the most important thing is the quality of the play," he said. "Quite frankly, we only had a short time to put everything together (last time). We have two years to really get everything right. It's the quality of the play."